(Emmetsburg)– A joint investigation by the Emmetsburg Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has resulted in an Emmetsburg man being arrested for allegedly enticing a minor.
Authorities say the investigation started a week ago when park workers for the city of Emmetsburg filed a report with police about some graffiti soliciting young males for sex. The DCI was contacted and an internet “sting” operation was put together. It resulted in the arrest of 39-year-old Robert Barker of Emmetsburg on Wednesday (Aug. 16th). He was taken into custody at an Emmetsburg residence that he went to under the impression he was going to be meeting a 15-year-old boy to engage in sex.
Barker was arrested without incident. He was charged with enticing a minor, a class “D” felony. He was booked into the Palo Alto county jail.
As a result of the arrest, authorities executed a search warrant on Barker’s residence in rural Palo Alto county. Computers and other items were seized.
Authorities say their investigation continues and additional charges and/or arrests are possible.
